After The Fire

Before Entering the Residence...

Check with fire officials to make sure it is safe for you to enter the structure.

Contact your insurance claims department representative.

You should contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible
after the incident.

Your insurance carrier, agent, or adjuster will want a copy of the fire report. Copies of fire reports are available, generally within 10 working days after the fire, by contacting the Columbia Fire Department at 573-874-7391. You may also stop in at Fire Administration located at 201 Orr Street to obtain a copy. It is recommended that you call us first to make sure the report is complete and ready to be released.

You should not discard any damaged belongings. Do not contract for
any repair work until authorized to do so by your insurance.

Make sure your home is protected from the elements and illegal entry.

Cover all openings in windows or walls with plywood.

Make sure all door and window locks are tightly secured.

If the house will be left unattended, contact the Columbia
Police Department at there non-emergency number and ask for a "Watch
In Passing." They will patrol the area more closely for
a limited time.

Other private service companies offer services for protecting
your home. Look under "fire and water restoration"
in the yellow pages.

If you rent...

Contact the property owner or representative to inform them of the situation.
It is the owner's responsibility to secure the property.

If you have renters insurance, contact your insurance agent immediately.

Utilities

Your utilities may have been disconnected to protect you and
the fire fighters from the dangers
of the gas or electricity. You can find out from the Fire Official if
the utilities have been disconnected.

If temperatures are below freezing it will be important to protect water
pipes by restoring heat or by draining plumbing.

If your home electrical or gas systems have been damaged, it may not be
possible to reconnect the electric or gas service.

Only the utility companies may restore your utilities. The Columbia
Fire Department WILL NOT turn on your gas or electricity. Look for the
appropriate phone number at the bottom of this article.

Your mechanical, electrical and gas systems may need to be checked by a
professional, even if they do not appear to be damaged.

If your house has been damaged by fire, the utilities will not be restored
until the Protective Inspection Division of Public Works has approved
the reconnection.

Other useful tips...

If you or anyone else has inhaled smoke or have gotten burned seek medical
attention immediately.

Do not enter the structure until you meet with the Fire Official in charge.
Inform the Fire Official of the presence of important papers or valuables.

Be sure to protect your personal belongings from the elements, either inside
the building or by moving them to a safe location.

Retain receipts for any money you spend. These receipts may be necessary
for possible insurance reimbursements.

Nothing should be thrown away until the items are listed on an inventory
of damaged belongings.

If you need emergency housing, food, clothing, basic furniture, counseling
for your or your
children, you may contact the Red Cross, Salvation Army or your church or
synagogue.

A copy of your fire report will be available from the Fire Administration
Office. You can expect the report to be available five work days after
the incident.

Let friends and family members know where you will be staying at temporarily.

If you must move inform the Post Office, your bank, utility companies,
credit card companies, magazine/newspaper
providers and friends and relatives of your new address.

If your pets have inhaled smoke they should be taken to a veterinarian as
soon as possible. If your pet has been lost in the confusion, contact
the Humane Society.

If you have lost your credit cards contact your credit card company to
inform them of the lose and the reorder new ones.

If you have lost your drivers license you may need to go to the License
Bureau to receive a new one.

You may also need to contact the Social Security Administration to receive
a new Social Security Card if it has been lost.

It is good to inform your children's school of the incident so teachers
are aware of what is going on at home.

Employers should be notified especially if you plan to not attend work
due to the incident.

Losing your home and your possessions can have a traumatic affect on you
or others in your house. If someone is having difficulty dealing
with the situation they should seek help whether it be professional or just
a friendly ear to listen.